PUTRAJAYA, July 28 — Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim convened high-stakes ceasefire talks in Putrajaya today as the escalating conflict between Thailand and Cambodia entered its fifth day. Both nations’ leaders arrived for the emergency meeting, co-organised by Malaysia and the United States, with China also participating.
The discussions, held at Anwar’s official residence, mark the first major diplomatic push to halt Southeast Asia’s deadliest border clashes in over a decade. The talks come amid mutual accusations of artillery attacks along the 817-km shared border, with Thailand questioning Cambodia’s sincerity, and Cambodia condemning Thai aggression and civilian targeting.
Tensions spiked following the killing of a Cambodian soldier in May, triggering military reinforcements and a diplomatic crisis that now threatens Thailand’s coalition government. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet revealed the ceasefire proposal was initiated by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who warned both countries that ongoing conflict could jeopardise trade agreements.
As global pressure mounts, all eyes are on Malaysia’s role in brokering a breakthrough to prevent further regional instability.
